Project launch

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Council’s ‘Reallocation of Road Space to Support Shared Use During Pandemic’ Motion in May 2020, staff have been re-shaping how we use our streets and public spaces to help residents physically distance and provide opportunities to exercise and travel more comfortably. Some of the key projects include Beach Avenue Room-to-Move, a 40km network of Slow Streets, hundreds of new patio spaces, and dozens of plazas and social service parklets.

As we’ve seen more people cycling and walking in Vancouver with the continuation of the pandemic, staff have identified another project that can be delivered quickly to provide more space for travel, both during the pandemic and the recovery.

Smithe Street Upgrades

By upgrading active transportation on Smithe Street (Richards Street to Thurlow Street) using a low-cost approach, we will fill a key gap in the downtown cycling network. Recognizing that many people may still not want to take transit in the COVID recovery phase, the project will provide a direct comfortable east-west cycling route between the West End and the Cambie Bridge.

We’d like to hear your feedback about the proposed design.

You can share your feedback through our online survey by June 7th, 2021. You can also reach out to our project inbox at: smithestreetupgrades@vancouver.ca

Your input will help us refine the final design and inform implementation.